." >>> could going over the fiscal cliff be just what washington has wanted all along? >>> millions of americans are getting battered by a third severe storm with drenching rains, chevy snow and strong winds. details ahead. >>> and the stars were out last night for the kennedy center's honors. members of led zeppelin, david letterman, dustin hoffman and many others. we'll have that and much more coming up this monday morning on "first look." and a very good morning to you. i'm veronica de la cruz. one solution being heard more and more about solving the nation's financial showdown could be actually allowing the deadline to pass and letting america go over the fiscal cliff. that would allow tax rates to rise on everybody. then congress could come back after the new year and cut taxes on everyone but the wealthy. nbc's mike viqueira has the story. >> reporter: administration optimism for a deal. but only if republicans give in on raising rates for the wealthy. >> you think we'll get a deal by the end of the year? >> i do. the only thing that stands in the way of a deal ri